The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on his symptoms and examination findings.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations show that the Veteran can achieve at least 160 degrees of abduction and flexion, which is above the level required for even the current 20 percent rating under DC 5201. There is no significant additional functional loss beyond what is contemplated by the current rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Shoulder Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19100813
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was submitted after the June 2019 denial, warranting readjudication of the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability. The Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative joint disease is supported by VA treatment records, but his claim remains on remand to determine if there is a nexus between his current condition and service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee and right shoulder degenerative joint disease have been granted. The Board found that the current disabilities are related to injuries sustained during combat service in Vietnam.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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